Is My Cat Overweight?

A round, cuddly cat can look adorable, but extra weight puts strain on joints and increases the risk of health problems like diabetes. Many indoor cats gain weight slowly without their owners noticing. The good news is that small, gentle changes make a big difference.

How to check your cat’s shape

• Ribs: you should be able to feel them easily under a thin layer, without pressing hard.
• Waist: looking down from above, there should be a gentle curve behind the ribs.
• Tummy: a slight sag is normal, but a large, swinging belly can mean extra weight.

Your vet can tell you your cat’s ideal weight and body score at their next check-up.

Why cats gain weight

• Free feeding: a bowl that’s always full makes it easy to overeat.
• Too many treats and table scraps.
• Indoor life: less exploring means fewer calories burned.
• Sterilisation and age: both can slow metabolism, so portions may need adjusting.

What really helps

1. Talk to your vet first about a safe target and how fast to get there.
2. Measure meals using the feeding guide on the pack, based on your cat’s ideal weight.
3. Keep treats small, and count them as part of the daily food.
4. Play every day. Two short sessions with a wand toy get lazy cats moving.
5. Use puzzle feeders to slow eating and add a little exercise.

Important: never starve a cat

Cats must lose weight slowly. Cutting food too much or too quickly can cause a serious liver condition. Always make changes gradually and with your vet’s guidance.

The heart of it

Helping your cat stay at a healthy weight is one of the kindest things you can do. It means easier movement, more playtime and more years of cuddles together.